Man arrested following suspected acid attack in Westminster

Detectives investigating a suspected acid attack outside a school in Westminster have made an arrest.

The attack happened at around 16:40hrs on Monday, 30 September. Officers on patrol were flagged down by staff at a school in Alfred Road after a substance was allegedly thrown at two children and a staff member.

An investigation was launched and on the morning of Thursday, 3 October, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He was taken to a central London police station and remains in custody.

Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, investigating the incident, said: "The investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together the events in which two young victims, aged 16 and 14, were approached outside the school by a lone man who threw a substance at them before fleeing.

“We launched an urgent manhunt to identify and arrest the man responsible for this horrific attack. I am pleased to confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of this morning in connection with the incident.

“The 14-year-old girl sustained serious injuries and has returned to hospital having been briefly discharged by doctors. It may still be some time before we know the true extent of how serious her injuries are, but at this time they are being treated as potentially life-changing.

“The 16-year-old boy has now been discharged by the hospital and fortunately, his injuries are not as severe as the girl’s.

“A member of staff from the school also sustained injuries as she rushed to the youngsters to provide first aid to them.

“We are aware of the concerns raised by the community and questions that are being asked about the circumstances surrounding the incident. We have been working closely with our key partners to provide support and reassurance to those affected.

“We will maintain a visible policing presence outside the school and will continue to work closely with the school and local authority.

“I continue to urge anyone who has information about this incident and has not yet contacted police to call the investigations team on 020 7175 4652.

“If you were in the vicinity of Alfred Road around the time of the attack and have dashcam footage that could prove key to our investigation, we ask that you urgently get in touch with us."

If you do not wish to call the investigations team directly, you can provide information and remain 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quoting CAD 4987/30SEP.